And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. ²⁰ But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. - Matthew 19:24

The birth of Jesus was not sentimental —

it is costly.

Mary risks her future.

Joseph risks his reputation.

In their world, obedience meant misunderstanding, suspicion, and social loss.

Joseph could have protected himself.

He could have chosen what made sense.

He could have walked away quietly and preserved his name.

But he didn’t.

He listened.

He trusted.

He obeyed.

And in doing so, he shows us something essential:

Faithfulness does not always feel safe.

Sometimes obedience costs clarity.

Sometimes it costs comfort.

Sometimes it costs control.

The Kingdom does not advance through people who avoid risk —

but through people who trust God when obedience is expensive.

And here is the hope:

God does not watch from a distance when obedience costs you.

He meets you there.

That’s what Immanuel means —

God with us, even in the cost.

🙏 Father, help us trust you even when it costs us. In your name, Amen.

➡️ Want to go deeper? Access the full Dec 25th teaching here.

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